Suspected teen drunk driver arrested after crash that killed mom in South Houston

Image 1 of 3

Police say a young mother was killed by a teenaged drunk driver in the City of South Houston. 

The fatal crash was actually captured on camera. The images are horrifying.

Video from an ATV shop shows 23-year-old Taylor Phillips driving on College Avenue near Alabama with her mom and her 1-year-old baby boy in the car. You see a pick up truck cross several lanes, crossing into oncoming traffic and slamming head on into the young mom’s SUV, killing her.  Several other vehicles barely made it by, just seconds before the deadly crash around 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Investigators say 19-year-old Erick Hernandez was drunk driving behind the wheel of the pick up truck.  In fact, they say Hernandez was so intoxicated he was slurring his words, had red bloodshot eyes, was stumbling when he tried to walk. Police say say Hernandez crashed into Phillips less than one mile from the bar he had just left.

"There’s no way you should have served anyone that much alcohol to get someone that obviously intoxicated,” says the head of the District Attorney's Office Vehicular Crimes Unit.

So not only is Hernandez charged with Intoxication Manslaughter, but Teare says someone from the bar and grill will likely be charged as well.

“We traced it back to where he was drinking," Teare says. "We are in the process right now of gathering video from that location, gathering receipts, gathering a number of other things from that location." 

Teare says Hernandez spent more than $100 at the bar and admits to having five beers before getting behind the wheel.

Workers at the ATV shop where surveillance cameras captured the fatal crash say there have been so many accidents at this intersection they no longer park in front of the business.

“No, definitely we can’t.  It’s not safe for our cars. So we park behind the building.  The speed limit is 35 and people go like 65,” says Jaime Rodriguez. 

It’s the holiday season and many people consume alcohol. Teare is not only warning drivers to obey the law, but anyone serving as well.

"You have a great responsibility when you serve alcohol to people," Teare says. "Be responsible."    

Hernandez is facing 20 years in prison, more if the two survivors are seriously injured.  However, Phillips' baby and her mom are believed to have suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Investigators say Hernandez also had a fake ID on him.  They plan to prosecute the person who made it.